Just imagine you're driving in the countryside and then suddenly your motorcycle breaks down & ruins your day. You may be thinking that u have checked everything and there should not be any problem right?

It is really important to do some checks if not regularly at least on some occasions when you are going for a long-drive or country side ride. So here are some tips on how to maintain your motorcycle so you don’t need to haul your ride for which you’ll be spending hundreds of dollars.

Fuel and Oil:

This is the most important thing, dispose of untreated gas older than 6 months rather than risk running it. Check your fuel line for damages due to weather or cracks etc. If you find any damages even minor replace it. Next thing is to check your fuel filter, make sure it is not clogged and looks clean and clear. If it is older then a year then it is better to replace it. Remember to turnoff the fuel tap when parking your motorcycle for longer duration, this prevents fuel from leaking out.

Make sure you regularly check and keep your oil level at its HIGH or MAX level. It is best to check your oil level on the bikes centre stand or when it is in a level position. An under filled oil level can be disastrous while too much oil over the limit may flood your air cleaner with oil. Regular oil and filter changes will keep your motorbike young and healthy.

The most common motorcycle breakdown is for tire damage, so make sure you check if your tires are properly inflated. An under-inflated tire produces a lot of heat which will result in blow out. Keep a mini tire gauge with you and important thing “use it”. Second thing is to check for tread depth if it is 1-2mm then its time to replace your tires.

Brakes:

Really important not just for your ride but also for your safety. Change the brake fluids every year and your brakes will perform at their best. While changing brake fluids use only sealed one as brake fluids tends to absorb moisture. Also check the thickness of the brake pads and if it looks thin replace it. Otherwise if it goes down to metal, your brake disc may get damaged & ultimately result in unnecessary replacement fitting braided steel brake lines will also boost the performance of your brakes.

Chains:

Bike chains are never taut but must be able to sag between 3/4" to 1 1/4" at the mid-point between the two sprockets. The sag is used when the bike suspension moves up and down over uneven surfaces. Lubricate your bike chain with a chain spray. Ensure that you spray both left and the right hand side of the chain. Position a piece of newspaper so that you do not spoil the rear wheel rim as you spray. It is better to do this when you return from a ride and the chain is still warm. Use a second piece of paper on the floor to catch any drips. Wait five or ten minutes before you wipe all excess oil off the chain.

Battery

A battery requires a little monthly maintenance to perform perfectly. Check the fluid levels on each chamber of your battery, if you find any chamber low then fill it up in a well ventilated area with distilled or deionized water wear gloves and protective glasses while filling and Keep the battery charged to 100%. Check cables, case & clamps for any loose connections or damages, clean terminals & connectors and at last finish up by testing the battery with either a voltmeter or hydrometer.